Tony Laing, PhD

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Dr. Tony Laing is a K-12 and higher education scholar-practitioner. He teaches and writes in the area of gender, sexuality and youth studies. Specifically, his scholarship and publications lie at the intersection of youth studies, gender studies (constructions of masculinities), single-gender schools, queer theory, and African-American Studies.

Laing serves as the inaugural Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He is also apart of the IDEA database of practitioner experts who review diversity and inclusive proposals submitted to NASA.

Most recently, Laing served as K-12 Wayland METCO Director which provides educational opportunities for students of color to attend suburban schools. He has lectured, and worked in diversity affairs, student affairs, study abroad, and academic advising. His work at the collegiate level centers on creating more welcoming campuses for students and faculty, and staff of color.

Laing is the author of several peer-reviewed articles and reports that center on culturally relevant education, student voice, and equity in education. He is also co-editor (with independent scholar Dr. Ezella McPherson) of the forthcoming book titled, The (in)visible student support networks at HBCUs and PWIs for Black undergraduate and graduate students.

Currently serving a second 5-year term as Trustee at Wheaton College (Massachusetts), and past member of Judge Baker’s Children Center’s External Affairs and Communications committee. Laing also served for six years as Board Chair of the Alliance for Domestic & International Educational Programs.

A graduate of Wheaton College where he majored in political science, Laing also obtained a master’s degree in the management of international public service organizations from New York University, a master’s degree in educational management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, and a PhD in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He is a very proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.